The history of Ayurveda

The source: „Ajurweda, jak dbać o siebie i być zdrowym” (‘’Eternal Health – The Essence of Ayurveda’’ – the original version ) by dr Parthap Chauhan

People have reached a very high level of technical knowledge, but we still struggle with the basic aspects of human life. Hundreds of years ago, Ayurveda proposed the unique concept that man is a whole composed of body, mind, senses and soul. The profoundness of this philosophy enables one to transcend limitations and has much to offer in the field of modern medical science. Anyone seeking to improve their health can benefit from it.

Most Vedic knowledge was written down in Sanskrit (an Old Indian language). Ayurvedic wisdom spread through the Vedic texts, which were systematised by scholars in the form of compilations that are called Samhita. These compilations contain information organised by individual authors into separate books of Ayurveda.

Three major ancient Samhitas have been still preserved until today:

• Caraka Samhita – containing basic concepts and principles, listing diseases and herbal medicines;
• Suśruta Samhita – on anatomy and surgery
• Astangahrdaya – which is a summary of the work of Caraka and Suśruta and other teachers of Ayurveda

These texts and commentaries on them are an indispensable source of theoretical and practical knowledge. The Caraka Samhita is considered one of the most important texts. It was based on the works of many authors and commented on by Caraka between 1000 and 500 BC. It is still used today by students and practising Ayurvedic doctors. The fact, that these texts over that time have lost nothing of their relevance and can be a guide for generations to come, shows the extraordinary insight of the creators of this knowledge into the nature of things.

Ayurveda’s eight branches are :

• internal medicine
• laryngology
• general surgery
• toxicology
• psychiatry
• paediatrics and obstetrics
• geriatrics and longevity
• procreation

Ayurveda is regarded as the mother of medicine and its concepts form the basis of Chinese, Arabic and Greek medicine. Many Ayurvedic treatments have been adopted by both modern Western medicine and alternative medicine – homeopathy, naturopathy or aromatherapy. The medical knowledge presented in each section of Ayurveda is a comprehensive and rich source of wisdom still relevant today. It not only contains information on ailments, diseases, their symptoms, cures, remedies and the properties of herbs, but also other aspects: it identifies the qualities that make a good doctor, addresses issues of ethics or patient care.

We are fortunate that this ancient message has been preserved to this day. We use it with an ongoing admiration for the ancient sages for their extraordinary insight and understanding of how human beings function in relation to the world around them.

As more and more have been using natural treatments recently, there has been a revival of interest in Ayurveda and the effects of herbs and therapies mentioned in ancient texts. Awareness of the limitations of conventional medicine is also a factor contributing to this. In the coming time, Ayurveda may regain its rightful place in the area of health.